Science fiction holds a mirror up to our society and asks us to imagine what it might look like in the future — or in an alternate dimension — for better or worse.

The 13 best sci-fi series on Hulu that are out of this world

Science fiction holds a mirror up to our society and asks us to imagine what it might look like in the future — or in an alternate dimension — for better or worse.

By Alex Galbraith,

James Mercadante,

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

on February 13, 2026 6:59 a.m. ET

Morty (voice: Justin Roiland) on 'Rick and Morty'; Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully on 'The X Files'; Matthew Fox as Dr. Jack Shephard on 'Lost'. Credit:

Adult Swim; 20th Century Fox/Everett; Mario Perez/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Truth is stranger than fiction, but science fiction is strangest of all. From dystopias to the darkness of outer space to the joyful genius that is an eccentric scientist, sci-fi shows are all about extremes. And the shows on this list are all extremely entertaining.

Whether you want a meditation on mortality, the afterlife with monsters, a paranoid rebuke of the American state (and monsters), or a space journey gone wrong, there’s a series to be found on Hulu that will fit the bill.

Ahead, here are the 13 savviest, most innovative sci-fi series streaming on Hulu.

Alien: Earth (2025–present)

A Xenomorph from 'Alien Earth'.

With *Alien: Earth*, Noah Hawley (*Fargo*) created the first TV show of the sci-fi franchise, which is set two years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott’s *Alien* (1979). The series tracks the events that occur after a deep-space research vessel crashes into Earth, bringing with it an existential threat to humanity. (Cue the Xenomorphs!)

The show premiered in the summer of 2025, and while it’s too early to predict whether Hawley and his team will nail its eventual ending, audiences and critics are loving the ride so far. Catch up by watching the *Alien* movies in order before bingeing the already released episodes of *Alien: Earth*. Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety, and season 2 is already in the works. —*Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Alien: Earth*: Hulu

**Director:** Noah Hawley

**Cast:** Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay

Devs (2020)

Alex Garland, creator of 'Devs'. Miya Mizuno/FX

Alex Garland (director of *Ex Machina* and *Annihilation*) once again finds himself examining life’s greater questions in this eight-episode mystery miniseries about the murder of a first-day employee (Karl Glusman) at a Silicon Valley tech start-up.

With the help of a stellar cast including Nick Offerman — who stretches his legs from grouchy, Ron Swanson-type characters toward something a bit more menacing — and *House of the Dragon*’s Sonoya Mizuno, Garland prods at the very building blocks of the universe and questions the concept of free will. As EW's critic writes, *Devs* tackles "wonky, philosophical sci-fi tropes in wonderfully unpredictable ways." —*Alex Galbraith*

Where to watch *Devs*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, Jin Ha, Zach Grenier, Cailee Spaeny

Extraordinary (2023–2024)

Mairead Tyers as Jen on 'Extraordinary'.

Olly Courtney/Disney

This British comedy series takes us to a world where everyone unlocks superpowers at 18... unless you're Jen (Máiréad Tyers), a costume shop worker who's been stuck without one for seven years. While she has a loyal best friend and a shapeshifting cat in her corner, Jen is left to figure out how to embrace her ordinary self.

While there are countless superhero stories flooding the TV landscape, Emma Moran's *Extraordinary *soars with its down-to-earth, *Boys*-esque twist, where being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be, and unworldly abilities aren't just devices for destruction. This sci-fi show is a feel-good reminder that comparison is the thief of joy and self-acceptance is the real superpower. —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Extraordinary*: Hulu

**Cast:** Máiréad Tyers, Sofia Oxenham, Bilal Hasna, Luke Rollason

Firefly (2002)

Nathan Fillion as Capt. Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds on 'Firefly'. Everett Collection

The series that launched 1,000 fan campaigns certainly lives up to the hype. The one-season wonder explores a future where things get faster and newer, but never really any better. We see the frontier of this deeply unequal space-faring setting through the eyes of a ragtag crew barely scraping by on the far-flung frontier.

Showrunner Joss Whedon expertly blends the old West with the outer limits in a story of making do under the boot of an empire. Expect Whedon’s quippy dialogue and incredible performances from Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres. Knowing that *Firefly* was canceled too soon from the beginning helps you enjoy what few adventures the show has. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Firefly*: Hulu

**Cast:** Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin

Futurama (1999–2003; 2008–2013; 2023–present)

Professor Farnsworth (voice: Billy West), Philip J. Fry (voice: Billy West), Doctor Zoidberg (voice: Billy West), and Bender (voice: John DiMaggio) on 'Futurama'.

Hulu/Disney/Everett Collection

Matt Groening’s stop-start sci-fi sitcom doesn’t get the same respect afforded to, say, *The Simpsons *or *King of the Hill*. Chalk it up to the series cancellations and revivals if you’re being generous, some uneven later years if you aren’t. Either way, the outright oddest of all the adult animation heavy-hitters is deserving of your eyeballs and respect.

What could have been a tired fish-out-of-water story with easy jokes about the future and technology outrun clichés with whip-smart writing and truly heartfelt characters. There’s a reason phrases like “Shut up and take my money!” have wormed their way into the lexicon and episodes like “Jurassic Bark” are counted among the most emotionally affecting half-hours of TV ever made. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Futurama*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche

The Jetsons (1962–1963; 1985–1987)

George Jetson (voice: George O'Hanlon), Astro (voice: Don Messick), Rosie the Robot (voice: Jean Vander Pyl), Elroy Jetson (voice: Daws Butler), Judy Jetson (voice: Janet Waldo), and Jane Jetson (voice: Penny Singleton) on 'The Jetsons'.

Universal/Everett

If *The Simpsons* had any rivals for better predicting the future, it would be *The Jetsons*. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera's Space Age counterpart to *The Flintstones* envisions the year 2026, where wearable technology, robots, flying cars, video calls, and other fanciful innovations are everyday realities.

Spanning three seasons, the animated series centers on the titular nuclear family living in Orbit City, using cutting-edge gadgets to get through every adventure and mishap. As the first ABC show to broadcast in color, *The Jetsons* zoomed from a modestly rated blip to a cultural landmark that continues to set the bar when discussing what's to come. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *The Jetsons*: Hulu

**Cast:** George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo, Daws Butler, Mel Blanc

Legion (2017–2019)

Dan Stevens as David Haller on 'Legion'. Michelle Faye/FX

Diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child, twentysomething David Haller (Dan Stevens) drifts through life in a psychiatric hospital, his days filled with monotonous routines and the endless ramblings of his friend, Lenny (Aubrey Plaza). Everything changes when he encounters a new patient, Syd (Rachel Keller), and discovers that his hallucinations are actually psychic abilities. Now, David must master these skills while staying one step ahead of government forces ready to exploit them.

Sitting at No. 2 in EW's ranking of best Marvel shows, EW's critic writes that FX's *Legion* is "an edgy expansion of the *X-Men* universe...that transcends the [superhero] genre to be a trippy, witty, scary entertainment — marked by audacious storytelling that potently expresses the overwhelming psychic riot of our uncanny, bewildering times." —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Legion*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Jeremie Harris

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Lost (2004–2010)

Evangeline Lilly as Kate Austen and Matthew Fox as Dr. Jack Shephard on 'Lost'.

Mario Perez/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

In a fitting twist for a show about a plane crash, Damon Lindelof gave the prestige TV era its first taste of what happens on the internet when showrunners absolutely biff the landing. But even a controversial closer couldn’t take away the six seasons of critical adulation and feverish speculation surrounding this metaphysical mystery.

After they were allowed to cool off, even the most negative fans found something to love in this tense, tropical science-fiction drama. The performances of Evangeline Lilly and Matthew Fox could withstand fandom fits of pique and the core questions of the series are still fun to ponder years after it wrapped. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Lost*: Hulu

**Cast:** Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, Naveen Andrews, Emilie de Ravin, Josh Holloway

Misfits (2009–2013)

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Curtis Donovan, Lauren Socha as Kelly Bailey, Iwan Rheon as Simon Bellamy, and Robert Sheehan as Nathan Young on 'Misfits'.

Leave that bit about “with great power comes great responsibility” to doe-eyed Americans and give this cynical and juvenile take on the suddenly superpowered trope a spin. *Misfits* follows the zany stories of a group of juvenile delinquents, who become enhanced after getting caught in a freak lightning storm while performing community service.

Premiering in 2009, the teen sci-fi comedy can definitely feel old in early seasons — particularly with its handling of sex — but it grew up a bit along with its protagonists and really shined by the time it wrapped. Come to see future stars like Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, stay for the hijinks of superpowered South London degenerates. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Misfits*: Hulu

**Cast:** Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, Lauren Socha, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Antonia Thomas

Rick and Morty (2013–present)

Rick (voice: Justin Roiland) and Morty (voice: Justin Roiland) on 'Rick and Morty'. Adult Swim

Signed on to produce new TV shows until the heat death of Earth and several other universes, creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have somehow managed to keep their *Back to the Future*-indebted, smart-aleck satire series fresh (even while lampooning the very grind that’s created later seasons).

*Rick and Morty* has always been lauded for its willingness to tear down the framework of science fiction and television. After some gross and ill-conceived stumbling around the concept of a spacefaring incest baby, the show has recaptured some of that magic in its sixth season and beyond. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Rick and Morty*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke, Ian Cardoni

Solar Opposites (2020–2025)

Korvo (voice: Dan Stevens) and Terry (voice: Thomas Middleditch) on 'Solar Opposites'.

This goofy Justin Roiland-helmed sci-fi sitcom is allowed to get just a bit sillier than its closest cousin, *Rick and Morty*, freed from the restraints of “very high IQs” and the weight of an endless multiverse.

*Solar Opposites* traps its witless alien protagonists on Earth and watches them rub up against the mundane in satirical sitcom plots. And that focus has allowed its would-be planet conquerors to wring five whole seasons (and one more to come) out of oddball subplots like a secretly menacing Baby Yoda-esque character and a society of shrunken humans living inside the walls of their home. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *Solar Opposites*: Hulu

**Cast:** Justin Roiland, Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, Mary Mack, Dan Stevens

Stargate Atlantis (2004–2009)

Christopher Heyerdahl as Todd on 'Stargate Atlantis'. Syfy

The *Stargate* franchise entered the sci-fi orbit back in 1994 with the premiere of Roland Emmerich’s breakthrough blockbuster, *Stargate*, starring Kurt Russell and James Spader. The film introduces the idea of the Stargate, an ancient device that uses wormholes to facilitate interdimensional travel. The success of that project led to four spinoff TV shows, with a fifth entering production for Amazon Prime Video soon.

*Stargate Atlantis* was the second spinoff series created, and the show released 100 episodes across its five-season run on Syfy (formerly the Sci-Fi Channel). Picking up after the events depicted in season 7 of *Stargate SG-1* (1997–2007), *Stargate Atlantis* centers around the discovery of the mythological city and the expedition team dispatched from Earth by Stargate Command to investigate. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Stargate Atlantis*: Hulu

**Cast: **Joe Flanigan, Torri Higginson, Rachel Luttrell, Rainbow Sun Francks, David Hewlett

The X-Files (1993–2002; 2016–2018)

David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully on 'The X-Files'. Everett Collection

Before the internet came along to knock the shine off the deep state and reveal that the U.S. government in all its forms was made up of an assortment of schlubs, *The X-Files* flourished as a masterpiece of small-town paranoia and cosmic conspiracy.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson exuded a chemistry rarely seen on sci-fi TV, but perfect for the oddball noir of this sweaty, nervous who — or what — dunnit. It deftly balanced entertaining monster-of-the-week shorts with a dense and twisty narrative. And like the strain of deep-seated neuroses found in characters like Fox Mulder, we never saw its like again. —*A.G.*

Where to watch *The X-Files*: Hulu

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, Mitch Pileggi

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